The relationship of hepatitis B virus infection between adults and their children in Guangxi Province, China

Background/Aim: This study aimed to describe the seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with emphasis on transmission of HBV infection between adults and their children. Methods: We analyzed the hepatitis sero-survey data collected from 2132 persons aged 1–59 years (624 families) in Guangxi Province, China, 1992. Blood was tested for the presence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). Results: Of the 2132 persons surveyed, 119 (5.6%) reported receiving HBV vaccination. Among those persons who did not receive HBV vaccination, 19% were HBsAg positive (current HBV infection) and 57% had a past HBV infection (they were HBsAg negative and either anti-HBc positive or anti-HBs positive). Among 519 children aged 1–10 years who did not receive HBV vaccination, 21% had current HBV infection and 37% had past HBV infection. Among 289 children of both parents who were HBsAg negative, 16% had current HBV infection and 36% had past HBV infection. Conclusions: The high prevalence of community-acquired HBV infection in children and the low HBV vaccination coverage in Guangxi should alert public health agencies to re-examine their current policies for preventing HBV transmission.